Carotenoids absorb blue and red light, but not green light.

Carotenoids are a group of naturally occurring plant pigments found in a wide range of plants that absorb certain wavelengths of light, the most important of which is blue and red light, but not green light. Here is a paragraph-by-paragraph answer to the question of what light carotenoids absorb.

A structure and physical properties of carotene

Carotene is a macromolecular compound, its chemical formula is C40H56, molecular weight of about 536.88. It is a highly unsaturated poly-saturated terpene compound composed of nine isoprene units.

Carotene is yellow or orange, odorless, tasteless crystals, insoluble in water, but easy to dissolve in fats and oils, and can be absorbed and utilized by the body from food, cosmetics and other channels. Carotene also has very good stability and antioxidant properties, which can effectively prevent the production of free radicals and maintain human immunity.

Two, carotene absorption spectrum characteristics

Carotene has the ability to absorb specific wavelengths of light, its absorption spectrum characteristics and its color has a close relationship, these characteristics can be determined through a series of experiments. According to research, the most important absorption wavelengths of carotenoids are the light in the region of 400-550nm and 600-700nm, of which 452nm and 430nm are the two main absorption peaks.

Three, the photosynthesis of carotene

Carotene plays an important physiological function in plants, which can be involved in the photosynthesis of plants and provide energy for it. In the chloroplasts of plants, carotenoids act as photoprotective pigments that protect other photosynthetic pigments from oxidative damage due to excess light energy by absorbing blue-ultraviolet light and converting it to heat.

Four, carotenoids and visual health

Carotenoids are not only beneficial to plants and animals, but also have a positive significance for human visual health, especially for the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. Carotenoids can be converted to vitamin A in the human eye and can produce powerful antioxidant effects that help reduce free radical damage and improve visual function.

In summary, carotenoids are able to absorb blue ultraviolet and red light, but not green light, and their most dominant absorption peaks are at 452nm and 430nm. Carotenoids have important physiological functions in plants and are closely related to photosynthesis in plants. At the same time, carotenoids are also beneficial to the visual health of the human eye, especially for the prevention of age-related macular degeneration has a protective effect.